For whatever reason it is 1 a.m. and I'm not tired... I am hungry though and there's nothing to eat, I really should have remembered to go to the store earlier.
So I'm watching "Something to Talk About" - I've never seen all of it so thought I should indulge tonight as I love Kyra Sedgwick and Julia Roberts. One thing I enjoy about movies is when they have that one line or one conversation that just sums the whole movie up. Here's the one for this movie...
Jamie: I'll say one thing, you southern women sure are easy to please.
Grace: I guess that's what comes from centuries of being bred to keep your expectations low.
While I am an easy going southern woman, I don't think it's about having kept low expectations. I think it's more about embracing life and learning to enjoy every moment. But then again..maybe there is a part of me that says if I care too much I might set myself up for a dissapointment and I'd rather not experience that. I mean if I am going to be completely honest. It is a small part though. The rest of it is just not wanting to miss out on anything. Maybe I'm talking in circles about many things :) Maybe it's time for sleep. Just think about it - if you are easy going then why and if not, then why not?
Goodnight all.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Missing city life...
I did a bit of celebrating for my birthday today. After church I went shopping with my best-friend and used some birthday money to buy a couple of things for work and for my sister's birthday - we're only a few days (and years) apart. Shopping cures all for me. It's one of the few ways in which I'm an a-typical girl. Aftwards I met a friend and my parents for dinner and games at Dave and Busters. I'm a sucker for skee ball and anything that wins me tickets. What great joy than having 1000 tickets to get all the crap you never wanted? Like an LED ring, something you would wear to a rave, or a Cinderella key chain. But it's all part of the fun :)
On my way home from D&B I had a craving for something sweet. I had the idea to grab a shake at the McDonalds just around the corner from my sister's apartment, but at 9:10 p.m. their lights were off. In fact, everything but Wal-mart and Steak n Shake seemed to be closed but as I was on the opposite side of the street, I decided to check out the local H-E-B.
In north Dallas, local H-E-B's are a bit different than in Waco, especially this one which is a Central Market. Instead of your typical supermarket, there is one entrance. As you are greeted by a fresh array of fruits and vegetables, you begin to weave your way throughout the store which is set up to take you by every aisle before once more arriving at the front to checkout. It really is ingenious, a great marketing tool, though it was a bit frustrating as I just wanted some ice cream. But all was good after I found my favorite Ben & Jerry's - AmeriCone Dream. Quite seriously, though, Central Market is a fabulous store. It's similiar to Whole Foods, which I love as well. It holds a fabulous array of wine and out of season flowers. The flowers I know about because we went there last summer to get tulips for a wedding- definitely not a hot summer Texas flower.
In short, my little adventure to satisfy my sweet tooth proved that living in Dallas does not neccessarily mean I live in a city. My sister's address may say Dallas, TX but her neighborhood is just a reflection of suburbia just off a major highway. Everything here is so spread out. I was just discussing with a friend at lunch today that I knew where hubs of activity were in Houston, San Antonio and Austin, I'm just ready to find it in Dallas. Not just the occasional concert downtown.. Is there any part of this town that stays awake past 10 p.m. on a normal, non-holiday day? I just miss the business, day and night. Even if I don't want to do anything, it's just knowing that I can... ultimately... it's not New York. I guess that's what I miss the most.
Hopefully you've found a place to live that makes you fully happy :)
Love God, love people.
On my way home from D&B I had a craving for something sweet. I had the idea to grab a shake at the McDonalds just around the corner from my sister's apartment, but at 9:10 p.m. their lights were off. In fact, everything but Wal-mart and Steak n Shake seemed to be closed but as I was on the opposite side of the street, I decided to check out the local H-E-B.
In north Dallas, local H-E-B's are a bit different than in Waco, especially this one which is a Central Market. Instead of your typical supermarket, there is one entrance. As you are greeted by a fresh array of fruits and vegetables, you begin to weave your way throughout the store which is set up to take you by every aisle before once more arriving at the front to checkout. It really is ingenious, a great marketing tool, though it was a bit frustrating as I just wanted some ice cream. But all was good after I found my favorite Ben & Jerry's - AmeriCone Dream. Quite seriously, though, Central Market is a fabulous store. It's similiar to Whole Foods, which I love as well. It holds a fabulous array of wine and out of season flowers. The flowers I know about because we went there last summer to get tulips for a wedding- definitely not a hot summer Texas flower.
In short, my little adventure to satisfy my sweet tooth proved that living in Dallas does not neccessarily mean I live in a city. My sister's address may say Dallas, TX but her neighborhood is just a reflection of suburbia just off a major highway. Everything here is so spread out. I was just discussing with a friend at lunch today that I knew where hubs of activity were in Houston, San Antonio and Austin, I'm just ready to find it in Dallas. Not just the occasional concert downtown.. Is there any part of this town that stays awake past 10 p.m. on a normal, non-holiday day? I just miss the business, day and night. Even if I don't want to do anything, it's just knowing that I can... ultimately... it's not New York. I guess that's what I miss the most.
Hopefully you've found a place to live that makes you fully happy :)
Love God, love people.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Here's to 23 years...
I turned 23 on Wednesday. Let me tell you, it was one of the most uneventful birthdays I've had yet. Simply put, I had the displeasure of experiencing one of the worst cases of strep throat all week, which of course meant a lot of time spent at the house. But finally, I'm feeling normal again. I even got out of the house for the first time this week to accompany my parents and sister to the Plano Balloon Festival. With my sister and a friend from church, I was able to go shoot some photos on the field of skydivers and the balloons being inflated.. and then battery died. But I was able to spend time sitting with my parents and friends; I was a bit tired by then anyway. We did enjoy the standard fair food of corndogs, lemonade, and funnel cakes. Greasy and good!
Back tracking a bit... The 12th was my official last day with the City of Waco. It was definitely hard to say goodbye. I had lunch with my boss and coworker at one of my favorite spots, Homestead Heritage. It's just a short drive out of town but they have the best sweet potato jalapeno soup. The people are so friendly, it's a sustainable Christian community, but if nothing else - try the soup. After lunch my boss surprised me with a precious photo of my dear kitty, Mo, and a subscription to his favorite magazine Oxford American. The OA is quickly becoming my favorite as well.
My return to Dallas was just moments before Hurricane Ike hit (though it ended up curving and bringing just small amounts of rain to central and north Texas..). And after a quick stop to check in on Mo, I drove to see the grandparents with my parents. We also got to see my baby cousin and do a slightly belated celebration for his first birthday. He is precious :) But visiting the fam was where we also visited the doctor...but at least that brought medicine.
After once more returning to Dallas and just one day before my birthday, I got a very exciting call. The week before I had interviewed for a Marketing Specialist position, it seemed to go well and it apparently did as the call was to offer me the job. I never expected to land a job so quickly and if I hadn't been sick, I probably would have been much more excited but thankfully everyone else held excitement for me. So with just a bit of paperwork standing in my way, I will soon be gainfully employed!
Honestly, not having my Baylor friends around me on my birthday was definitely a hard experience. Not only was it the first time in four years to be without them, it was also the first time to not have a themed party. It may seem silly but it's true...Freshman year it was all Baylor, with tons of green balloons and streamers-thanks to my bestest. Sophomore year was the infamous Purple Party, followed by an 80s theme for my 21st. Last year my best-friend (soon to be roommate!) and my younger sister threw a killer 20s party for me. I seriously have some of the most precious friends who have created amazing memories for me. Yes, this year was very different, but now they are in different countries like Thailand and the Netherlands, different states like Mississippi or Indiana, and different cities like Houston or Waco. I can say my lovely girls at the City gave me a precious call to sing Happy Birthday. Also my Dad picked out an awesome chocolate cake with Bavarian cream - seriously amazing.
There's is my quick look at the past birthday and the upcoming job. More updates to follow...
Love God, love people.
Back tracking a bit... The 12th was my official last day with the City of Waco. It was definitely hard to say goodbye. I had lunch with my boss and coworker at one of my favorite spots, Homestead Heritage. It's just a short drive out of town but they have the best sweet potato jalapeno soup. The people are so friendly, it's a sustainable Christian community, but if nothing else - try the soup. After lunch my boss surprised me with a precious photo of my dear kitty, Mo, and a subscription to his favorite magazine Oxford American. The OA is quickly becoming my favorite as well.
My return to Dallas was just moments before Hurricane Ike hit (though it ended up curving and bringing just small amounts of rain to central and north Texas..). And after a quick stop to check in on Mo, I drove to see the grandparents with my parents. We also got to see my baby cousin and do a slightly belated celebration for his first birthday. He is precious :) But visiting the fam was where we also visited the doctor...but at least that brought medicine.
After once more returning to Dallas and just one day before my birthday, I got a very exciting call. The week before I had interviewed for a Marketing Specialist position, it seemed to go well and it apparently did as the call was to offer me the job. I never expected to land a job so quickly and if I hadn't been sick, I probably would have been much more excited but thankfully everyone else held excitement for me. So with just a bit of paperwork standing in my way, I will soon be gainfully employed!
Honestly, not having my Baylor friends around me on my birthday was definitely a hard experience. Not only was it the first time in four years to be without them, it was also the first time to not have a themed party. It may seem silly but it's true...Freshman year it was all Baylor, with tons of green balloons and streamers-thanks to my bestest. Sophomore year was the infamous Purple Party, followed by an 80s theme for my 21st. Last year my best-friend (soon to be roommate!) and my younger sister threw a killer 20s party for me. I seriously have some of the most precious friends who have created amazing memories for me. Yes, this year was very different, but now they are in different countries like Thailand and the Netherlands, different states like Mississippi or Indiana, and different cities like Houston or Waco. I can say my lovely girls at the City gave me a precious call to sing Happy Birthday. Also my Dad picked out an awesome chocolate cake with Bavarian cream - seriously amazing.
There's is my quick look at the past birthday and the upcoming job. More updates to follow...
Love God, love people.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Great Wolf Lodge
Last weekend my lovely friend invited me and four other girls to spend a free night with her at with Great Wolf Lodge. I've been wanting to write a blog about it, but have had a crazy week, so what better time to write than while sitting in one of my favorite coffee shops?
So last Friday night, six of us girls infiltrated Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine on a mission to have some fun! We had a two bedroom suite and our stay (as does every stay) included access to the indoor waterpark.
For a greater part of Friday evening there were only three girls, as the other three planned to come much later. Not wanting to waste anytime, we set out to explore and soon decided to join all of the kids running around playing the hotel-wide game, MagiQuest. We began our quest by having our wand activated (yes, a wand) and consulting the wizard in the tree. Our first quest required us to light up four torches before gaining our first token which advanced us, the Mac Mamma Magis, towards becoming the Quest Masters. I know, it sounds pretty crazy, but you actually get into it and it's obvious that the kids love it. There are things to find on each of the eight floors and your quests are accomplished by waving your wand and lighting things up. Guess you'll just have to play to understand...
After conquering a few quests, we decided it was time for dinner and soon after that - the waterpark. One of my friend's co-workers told her that she would need to ride the signature ride, the Howling Tornado, at least four times to fully enjoy it and I do believe she was correct. Watch the video on their web site and you can see how amazing it looks, but you can never understand the rush without experiencing it first hand. It's completely safe, but as your tube soars from side to side it feels as if you will fly out.. Sounds scary but it's really cool. I will admit though, I would give it a try first in the daylight, when the funnel is lit, and then at night. Once the sun has gone down, the funnel is pitch black with a few strobe lights to enhance the ride into a heart-jumping experience.
Truly though, the entire park is cool. We were only able to experience the inside park as the outdoor park closes after Labor Day. But we rode everything from individual to group slides, floated through the river, and soaked in the hot tub. After about two hours that evening, we returned with more girls the next morning, at which point we re-rode the Howling Tornado and tried out a few more slides.
I can say with confidence that the Great Wolf Lodge lives up to its name of being great. There is so much for families to do together and it is set up to encourage family activities. Aside from MagiQuest and the waterpark, there is Storytime, an arcade and weekly activities. So book it for a family weekend or plan your next family reunion there, I highly recommend it. While you have no need to leave the lodge, in a place like Grapevine you can and still have plenty to do as the mall is few blocks away and Dallas is just a short drive down the highway.
Go, enjoy.
I did :)
So last Friday night, six of us girls infiltrated Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine on a mission to have some fun! We had a two bedroom suite and our stay (as does every stay) included access to the indoor waterpark.
For a greater part of Friday evening there were only three girls, as the other three planned to come much later. Not wanting to waste anytime, we set out to explore and soon decided to join all of the kids running around playing the hotel-wide game, MagiQuest. We began our quest by having our wand activated (yes, a wand) and consulting the wizard in the tree. Our first quest required us to light up four torches before gaining our first token which advanced us, the Mac Mamma Magis, towards becoming the Quest Masters. I know, it sounds pretty crazy, but you actually get into it and it's obvious that the kids love it. There are things to find on each of the eight floors and your quests are accomplished by waving your wand and lighting things up. Guess you'll just have to play to understand...
After conquering a few quests, we decided it was time for dinner and soon after that - the waterpark. One of my friend's co-workers told her that she would need to ride the signature ride, the Howling Tornado, at least four times to fully enjoy it and I do believe she was correct. Watch the video on their web site and you can see how amazing it looks, but you can never understand the rush without experiencing it first hand. It's completely safe, but as your tube soars from side to side it feels as if you will fly out.. Sounds scary but it's really cool. I will admit though, I would give it a try first in the daylight, when the funnel is lit, and then at night. Once the sun has gone down, the funnel is pitch black with a few strobe lights to enhance the ride into a heart-jumping experience.
Truly though, the entire park is cool. We were only able to experience the inside park as the outdoor park closes after Labor Day. But we rode everything from individual to group slides, floated through the river, and soaked in the hot tub. After about two hours that evening, we returned with more girls the next morning, at which point we re-rode the Howling Tornado and tried out a few more slides.
I can say with confidence that the Great Wolf Lodge lives up to its name of being great. There is so much for families to do together and it is set up to encourage family activities. Aside from MagiQuest and the waterpark, there is Storytime, an arcade and weekly activities. So book it for a family weekend or plan your next family reunion there, I highly recommend it. While you have no need to leave the lodge, in a place like Grapevine you can and still have plenty to do as the mall is few blocks away and Dallas is just a short drive down the highway.
Go, enjoy.
I did :)
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Transition Phase 2
Transition phase 1 was easy, well, compared to phase 2. Phase 1 consisted of college graduation and working all summer in Waco. Phase 2 consists of finding a real job and moving out of Waco.
I have finally decided to move to DFW to room with my best-friend; I have come full circle as this was the plan before graduation! Now the trouble is finding a job. Everyone is eager to assist me and I have been eagerly applying, but nothing has come about yet. Both of the girls I work with, my boss, my boss' boss, my friends, my parents and one of my professors have been sending me job posts. Now if I can just get to the interview stage.. But as my friend Meagan said, the job will arrive when I least expect it and when I need it most. Patience is what I will have to have until then.
This summer was amazing. I was finally able to devote a full schedule to working at the City and I grew in my understanding of events, marketing and pr. I truly love my job and all the people I work with. I love my office, even though it isn't very pretty and two large pa speakers take up most of one wall. My boss has refused to turn my resignation letter over to HR, so I believe that means he doesn't want me to leave.. Actually he's told me to stay time and again, as have my girls, but I really think it's time. I have lived in this city for 4 1/2 years, a long time for my history, and over the past year I have finally fallen in love with it. I have always loved Baylor, but now I love Waco too. But this is a sad love story, one which I may return to if fate shall have it, but for now I must look for something else. Another town in which to grow and become the adult I like to pretend I am.
On Friday (September 5) was supposed to be my final day at the City, but I've agreed to return next weekend. So I am officially at a loss as to when my last actual day will be, but I am certain that I am moving my things to Dallas on Friday. I need stability and there is a faint shadow of such in Dallas at the moment. I am excited about next Saturday; we are having our Puppy Plunge Day at Waco Water Park. It's the weekend before the pools are drained for the winter so we are allowing any and all nice dogs to come swim and play. I have spent so much time in the planning, sponsor gathering, creating ads, and such that I would hate to miss it.
Well it's rather late.. I wish I had blogged more over the past two months, but it's in the past now. The quickest update I have is the following: Mo is nearly 6 mo and is getting big. I have a fish, Zeus. July 4 was amazing with our final Brazos Nights concert and fireworks, Fourth on the Brazos. I spent a couple of weekends in San Antonio with some fabulous people, while also traveling to Houston for a work conference and Branson for a family vacation. More of my friends have gotten married and even more engaged; one for which I will be a bridesmaid. I miss New York and the general hustle and bustle of a large city. I feel weird being in Waco with all of my friends in different cities, states and countries..
That's all I have for now.
Love God, love people.
I have finally decided to move to DFW to room with my best-friend; I have come full circle as this was the plan before graduation! Now the trouble is finding a job. Everyone is eager to assist me and I have been eagerly applying, but nothing has come about yet. Both of the girls I work with, my boss, my boss' boss, my friends, my parents and one of my professors have been sending me job posts. Now if I can just get to the interview stage.. But as my friend Meagan said, the job will arrive when I least expect it and when I need it most. Patience is what I will have to have until then.
This summer was amazing. I was finally able to devote a full schedule to working at the City and I grew in my understanding of events, marketing and pr. I truly love my job and all the people I work with. I love my office, even though it isn't very pretty and two large pa speakers take up most of one wall. My boss has refused to turn my resignation letter over to HR, so I believe that means he doesn't want me to leave.. Actually he's told me to stay time and again, as have my girls, but I really think it's time. I have lived in this city for 4 1/2 years, a long time for my history, and over the past year I have finally fallen in love with it. I have always loved Baylor, but now I love Waco too. But this is a sad love story, one which I may return to if fate shall have it, but for now I must look for something else. Another town in which to grow and become the adult I like to pretend I am.
On Friday (September 5) was supposed to be my final day at the City, but I've agreed to return next weekend. So I am officially at a loss as to when my last actual day will be, but I am certain that I am moving my things to Dallas on Friday. I need stability and there is a faint shadow of such in Dallas at the moment. I am excited about next Saturday; we are having our Puppy Plunge Day at Waco Water Park. It's the weekend before the pools are drained for the winter so we are allowing any and all nice dogs to come swim and play. I have spent so much time in the planning, sponsor gathering, creating ads, and such that I would hate to miss it.
Well it's rather late.. I wish I had blogged more over the past two months, but it's in the past now. The quickest update I have is the following: Mo is nearly 6 mo and is getting big. I have a fish, Zeus. July 4 was amazing with our final Brazos Nights concert and fireworks, Fourth on the Brazos. I spent a couple of weekends in San Antonio with some fabulous people, while also traveling to Houston for a work conference and Branson for a family vacation. More of my friends have gotten married and even more engaged; one for which I will be a bridesmaid. I miss New York and the general hustle and bustle of a large city. I feel weird being in Waco with all of my friends in different cities, states and countries..
That's all I have for now.
Love God, love people.
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